2017 Mazda Mazda6 Sedan

8.6

Overview

Mazda has been on a hot streak lately, belting out one driver-centric car after another. In order to continue the hot streak, Mazda has a launched the latest 2017 Mazda 6 sedan. Staying true to the badge, the car is a delight to drive and is sure to please the enthusiast in everyone.

The car utilizes the signature Mazda G-vectoring torque distribution tech, which makes feel as if it's riding on velcro. The Mazda 6 not only feels like a sports car but from the inside, it looks like most sedans from the segment with an upscale interior.

The car falls in a segment that is already crowded with well-established players like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. But, the 6 boasts of arguably the best driving dynamics amongst the rivals. The Mazda 6 sedan aims to cover a lot of ground and by the looks of it, it appears to have done it.

Grand Touring 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 9/17 (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

Expert Review

carhp editorOctober 10, 2018

8.6

Overall Rating

8.1/10Features

8.9/10Engine

8.6/10Fuel Economy

8.0/10Interior

8.9/10Exterior

9.0/10Safety

The 2017 Mazda6 sedan utilizes the signature Mazda G-vectoring torque distribution tech, which makes feel as if it’s riding on velcro. It not only feels like a sports car but from the inside, it looks like most sedans from the segment with an upscale interior.

Features

8.1/10

There are a total of 3 trims offered on the Mazda 6 sedan namely Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. All the trims feature a similar 2.5L DOHC naturally aspirated engine that either be paired with an automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission which sends the power to the front wheels.

Then, there is the mid-level Touring variant which sports a price tag of $25,245. The trim comes standard with automatic headlamps, auto wipers, advanced keyless entry and synthetic leather upholstery amongst other features. Then there is the top of the line grand touring variant that comes standard with a sunroof, steering mounted paddles and LED fog lights amongst other stuff.

Trim

Sport

Touring

Grand Touring

Sport w/Prod. End

Touring w/Prod. End

Grand Touring w/Prod. Eng

MSRP (Automatic)

$22,995

$25,245

$30,695

$22,995

$25,245

$30,695

MSRP (Manual)

$21,945

$24,195

$21,945

$24,195

Key Features

ISOFIX child safety-seat anchors in rear seat (upper and lower type)

Halogen headlights

AM/FM/HD Radio CD player with 6 speakers

7" colour touchscreen audio display with MAZDA

Automatic volume control

Navigation-ready (requires navigation SD card

ISOFIX child safety-seat anchors in rear seat (upper and lower type)

Halogen headlights

AM/FM/HD Radio CD player with 6 speakers

7" colour touchscreen audio display with MAZDA CONNECT

Automatic volume control

ISOFIX child safety-seat anchors in rear seat (upper and lower type)

Power glass moonroof with interior sunshade, tilt-up ventilation and one-touch open feature

LED headlights with signature lighting

SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio with fin antenna

ISOFIX child safety-seat anchors in rear seat (upper and lower type)

Halogen headlights

AM/FM/HD Radio CD player with 6 speakers

Automatic volume control

Navigation-ready (requires navigation SD card accessory)

ISOFIX child safety-seat anchors in rear seat (upper and lower type)

Halogen headlights

AM/FM/HD Radio CD player with 6 speakers

7" colour touchscreen audio display with MAZDA CONNECT

Automatic volume control

ISOFIX child safety-seat anchors in rear seat (upper and lower type)

Power glass moonroof with interior sunshade, tilt-up ventilation and one-touch open feature

LED headlights with signature lighting

SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio with fin antenna

Engine

8.9/10

With its nimble handling, quick steering, and strong brakes, the 2017 Mazda6 outperforms most midsize cars. While its engine produces satisfying acceleration, most competitors offer stronger V6 or turbocharged engine options. Fuel economy estimates are great for the class. - cars.usnews

Engine and Transmission

The engine on the Mazda 6 is a 2.5L naturally aspirated unit belting out 184 bhp and 185 lb-ft torque. The engine revs freely to the redline, producing linear power throughout. It certainly is no road scorcher but it is not a dud either. Mazda could’ve thrown in a turbocharger to make the game more interesting but still, there is no to complain about.

In comparison with rivals, the Honda Accord is the only one more powerful but only by 1 bhp. All in all, all the rivals of the 6 sedans are more or less equally powered.

Models

Mazda 6 sport

Honda Accord LX

Toyota Camry LE

Chevrolet Malibu L

MSRP

$22,995

$23,155

$23,070

$21,680

Engine

2.5L DOHC 16-Valve I4

2.4L 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC I4

2.5L I-4 DOHC SMPI

1.5L turbo DOHC 4-cylinder

Transmission

6-speed automatic

CVT automatic

6-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

Horsepower

184 hp @ 5700 rpm

185 hp @ 6400 rpm

178 hp @ 6000 rpm

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque

185 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm

181 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

170 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

Acceleration

The 2.5L motor is a lively unit and its nature is most evident when the car is accelerating. The car accelerates in a way which makes things interesting for the driver without causing any discomfort to the occupants. Well done Mazda.

The Mazda 6 takes 7.6 sec in a 0-60 mph run which a good half a second slower than the segment leader, Toyota Camry. Honda Accord also happens to be 3/10th of a second faster than the Mazda6 Sedan.

Models

Mazda 6 sport

Honda Accord LX

Toyota Camry LE

Chevrolet Malibu L

0-60 MPH

7.6 sec

7.3 sec

7.0 sec

8.0 sec

Quarter mile

16.1 sec

15.8 sec

15.4 sec

14.3 sec

Engine

2.5L

2.4L

2.5L

1.5L

Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)

6.1

5.9

6.5

5.8

Ride and Handling

Although all the torque vectoring employed by Mazda does help it to a certain extent but it turns to be more a gimmick. Nonetheless, the car in itself is sufficiently fun to drive. The chassis is stiff, the corners are swallowed neatly at genuinely high speeds and the steering feedback is much better than what would you expect at this price range.

All in all, the Mazda 6 sedan is great at what it tries to sell, a family oriented sport sedan that is not over the top expensive.

Braking

Brakes on the Mazda 6 feature an 11.7-inch rotor on the front and a 10.9-inch rotor at the rear. The brakes are enough to bring it to a standstill from 60 mph in 126 feet. They aren’t exactly top of the line but do the required job well.

The Chevy Malibu with the lightest curb weight leads the tally with a stopping distance of 113 feet with the Honda Accord following it closely with 117 feet.

Model

Mazda 6 sport

Honda Accord LX

Toyota camry LE

Chevrolet Malibu L

Brake Front (in.)

11.7

11.1

11.7

11.6

Brake Rear (in.)

10.9

11.1

11.0

10.8

Curb Weight (lbs.)

3250

3239

3245

3108

60-0 MPH (ft.)

126

117

129

113

Fuel Economy

8.6/10

Fuel economy is a big concern at present with rising fuel prices. Mazda has given adequate attention to the fuel economy department with the Mazda 6 returning a fuel economy of 29 mpg combined.

All the rivals in the segment are almost equally fuel efficient but the top spot is taken jointly by the Honda Accord and Chevy Malibu with both of them returning 30 mpg.

Model

Mazda 6 sport

Honda Accord LX

Toyota camry LE

Chevrolet Malibu L

MPG (city)

26

27

24

27

MPG (highway)

35

36

33

36

MPG (combined)

29

30

27

30

Interior

8.0/10

The 2017 Mazda 6 features an interior that exceeds expectations for the midsize family sedan class. Its overall design is pleasingly modern, and materials quality is excellent. Even the Touring trim's simulated leather is convincing. - edmunds

Seats and Comfort

The seats on the sedan are actually one of the better set of seats you would find on a car in its price range. The padding and bolstering are enough for providing optimum comfort for long hours. The passage in and out of the vehicle is easy and does not require any special attention.

Segment leader Honda Accord features the best in class room on the front side of the cabin with a legroom of 39.1 inches. On the other hand, it's the Toyota Camry which takes the crown in the second-row department with a legroom of 38.5 inches.

Model

Mazda 6 sport

Honda Accord LX

Toyota camry LE

Chevrolet Malibu L

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38.4/57.1/42.2

39.1/58.6/42.5

38.8/58.0/41.6

39.1/58.5/42.0

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

37.1/55.5/38.7

37.5/56.5/38.5

38.1/56.6/38.9

37.5/57.1/38.1

Infotainment System

Mazda 6 features a 7-inch touch screen display as standard on all trims. The infotainment system as a whole is visually appealing and easy to use. It is controlled by a center knob that surprisingly feels as if it is straight out a German premium sedan. The inputs are smooth and shifting between menus is never a hiccup.

Interior Features

Interior features on the Mazda 6 sedan inlcude

7 inch touchscreen

Dash mounted display

Faux leather seats

Rotary knob for infotainment

USB port and AUX input

Cargo Capacity

Cargo capacity is where the Mazda falls short of the competitors. But, all 14.8 cube. feet space available on the sedan is fairly easy to utilize. The loading angles are right, the boot lip is at the correct height and space too is enough to for regular long drives or airport runs,

On comparison with rivals, its the Honda Accord and the Chevy Malibu who share the top spot with a cargo space of 15.8 cube feet while the Toyota Camry comes in at a close 2nd spot with 15.4 cube feet of space in the trunk.

Model

Mazda 6 sport

Honda Accord LX

Toyota camry LE

Chevrolet Malibu L

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

14.8

15.8

15.4

15.8

Exterior

8.9/10

Midsize sedans have taken on a trait usually not associated with traditional family haulers: style. The Mazda6 has been among the most successful of sedans transitioning from ho-hum to hot. This latest-gen Mazda has a pretty face and voluptuous curves. -Kelley Blue Book

Dimension and Weight

Mazda 6 is not particularly a big car but it does settle into its given dimensions rather well. The car doesn’t feel overly elongated or shortened from either of the sides. It does, however, weight a quite a lot with a curb weight of 3250 lbs.

It is the Chevy Malibu which the longest and widest car in the segment at 193.8-inch length and 73-inch width. It also shares the top spot for the longest wheelbase with the Mazda 6.

Model

Mazda 6 sport

Honda Accord LX

Toyota camry LE

Chevrolet Malibu L

Curb weight (lbs.)

3250

3239

3245

3108

Length(in)

192.7

192.5

190.9

193.8

Width(in)

72.4

72.8

71.7

73.0

Height(in)

57.1

57.7

57.9

57.6

Ground clearance (in)

6.4

5.8

6.1

N/A

Wheelbase (in)

111.4

109.3

109.3

111.4

Track width (in) F/R

62.4/62.0

62.8/62.0

62.8/62.4

62.6/62.5

Exterior Features

The list of exterior features on the Mazda 6 sedan includes

17 or 19-inch alloys

Optional sunroof

Pentagonal grill

LED DRLs

LED tail lights

Safety

9.0/10

The Mazda 6 sedan has been crash tested by all prominent agencies and have passed the test with flying colors. The vehicle has achieved 5 star rating in almost all department. On the feature front, Mazda has loaded the vehicle with safety features such as dual front airbags, hill launch assist, dynamic stability control and much more to ensure the well being of the occupants in case of a mishap.

Safety Features

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Traction Control System (TCS)

Rearview camera (wide angle)

Hill Launch Assist (HLA)

Dual front air bags, dual front side air bags and dual side air curtains

Side-door impact-protection beams (front and rear)

3-point seat-belts for all seating positions

IIHS Rating

Crashworthiness

Small overlap front driver side

Good

Small overlap front passenger side

Good

Moderate overlap front

Good

Side

Good

Roof strength

Good

Head restraints & seats

Good

Front crash prevention

Superior

Headlights

Acceptable

Child seats anchors (LATCH)

Marginal

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating

5 star

Overall frontal barrier crash rating

5 star

Frontal barrier crash rating driver

5 star

Overall side crash rating

5 star

Side barrier rating

5 star

Side pole rating driver front seat

5 star

Combined side rating rear seat

4 star

Rollover rating

4 star

Side barrier rating driver

5 star

Frontal barrier crash rating passenger

4 star

Combined side rating front seat

5 star

Side barrier rating passenger rear seat

5 star

Competition

Mazda 6 vs Honda Accord

Honda Accord is one of the constant sellers from the car maker. The car now enjoys legendary status in its segment and is perhaps the favorite amongst many households. The latest iteration of the car feature a feisty exterior and a bucketload of trims to choose from ranging from a 2.4L motor to a 1.6L turbo motor to spice up the things.

The Mazda 6 still has some catching up to do in terms of the interior but it still is a fabulous car to drive in all its guises. There is a $2,000 price difference amongst the two cars but its not big enough to be deciding factor. All in all, if you see on yourself on the driving seat often, the Mazda 6 should definitely be on the list of options.

Mazda 6 vs Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry is another heavyweight in the segment and for good reason. Its follows the same old rock solid Toyota reliability and bomb proof engines. The car is rather boring to look at in comparison with the rivals but it still features one of the best in class cabins.

The Mazda 6 is both more exciting to look at and to drive. Hence, this should be your weapon of choice.

Mazda 6 vs Chevy Malibu

The Chevy Malibu is another solid midsize vehicle in the segment. The exteriors of the car are just interesting enough to keep the things from getting boring. The interior of the car is ergonomically placed but the cloth upholstery feels rather disappointing. However, fuel economy on the Chevy is class leading albeit not by much. The utility on the Malibu however is much more than the Mazda 6.

All in all, neither the Chevy looks as good as the Mazda nor does it drive as well. The interior space might be better the quality is much more refined on the Mazda. Hence, its the Mazda 6 sedan that emerges as the clear winner.

Final Verdict

The 2017 Mazda 6 is a genuine enthusiast pleaser even its base form which is a rarity given how most of the cars in the segment are passenger comfort centric. There is not a shortage of creature comforts with a well-designed interior that utilized upscale materials like real wood and aluminum accents. The engine might be the most sprightful but the overall dynamics of the car are sure to bring a smile to your face.